Good News for August 26, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 11 minutes ago
- 6 min read
In this Issue:
Through Whose Eyes Do We See?
~Michael Clymer
Cathedral Basilica Saints Peter and Paul + Philadelphia, PA
Everyone will encounter suffering at some point in their lives, probably many times and to different degrees. The question facing us today is when suffering comes up, how do we approach it? Do we consider the difficult moments we face how God does or how humans do? In the difficult moments, oftentimes questions like “why me” or “how can this happen” or even phrases like “God forbid, Lord” come to mind. What comes with this is the temptation to look for a way out by our own means, relying on whatever seems easiest or most immediate. Jesus is inviting us to consider our suffering in a new way, one that is deeper and more honest. He wants us to know that we can find Him in the midst of our suffering, even when everything feels heavy or confusing.
How many times have we seen someone suffering, and our love for them gives us a desire to be with them through it and help them in any way we can? Well, the same is true for God and His love for us. We naturally seek peace, and when it comes to suffering, we often think that we will find peace by avoiding it or trying to find a way out as quickly as possible. The reality, though, is that bringing Jesus into our suffering and enduring it with Jesus alongside us is how we are going to find the peace we desire. Peace is not the absence of suffering; rather, peace is knowing that even in the most difficult moments of our lives we are in God’s loving presence and held close by His care.
Thinking as God does and not as humans do will give us comfort in the midst of suffering, knowing that the crosses we bear are part of God’s plan, that we are not alone, and that God is leading us through it with patience, strength, and love.
Our Meet & Greet BBQ Kicked off the New School Year with a Great Party!
What a wonderful Back to School BBQ! Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate a new school year! We especially want to thank the volunteers who served our food, everyone who donated salads, the school faculty and staff, set up and take down teams, Mr. G - our chef, Ms. PJ - Interim Principal, Fr Zlock, Brandi, Minta, and Donte Meares - Dj Lil Redd. May God bless this school year!
A Blessing for Students, Parents, Teachers and Staff
You’re Invited to Receive a Special Blessing September 20
Catechetical Sunday | September 20 | 10 AM Mass
Parents and guardians, catechists, teachers, youth ministry and RCIA leaders, and all who help form others in the Catholic faith are welcome.
During Mass, you’ll be invited to participate in a blessing and prayer for God to strengthen and guide you as you pass on the Catholic faith to others.
RSVP by September 16 shabay@saintraymond.net.
People in the Pews: Meet Our Church Bus Drivers
Meet the dedicated St. Raymond church van drivers who help parishioners get to Mass each week, offering friendship, service and a welcoming ride to church. Read all about it here.
Fun at Dorney Park
Our Youth trip to Dorney Park was a day to remember! We had a great turnout and enjoyed a full day from rides to the wave pool and everything in between. (Although you won't catch Fr. Zlock on any roller coasters!) We love gathering with our young people and look forward to many more great events coming soon!
Coming up!
Youth Car Wash September 19, 12-3 PM in the St. Raymond Parking Lot. Sign up here.
Trunk or Treat October 17, 1-3 PM
Sign up Now for Liturgical Dance Ministry Sept. 19
Our Liturgical Dance Ministry practices begin Saturday, September 19 at 10 AM in the School Hall and will continue every other Saturday. Sign up here.
Office for Black Catholics Youth Conference at St. Raymond November 7
Save the Date for Fall BINGO!
St. Raymond Fellowship Committee will host Fall BINGO on September 26, from 2-6 pm in the School Hall. Please save the date and spread the word. More details and a link for tickets coming soon!
We're Hiring a Confirmation Program Assistant
Saint Raymond is seeking a faith-filled Confirmation Program Assistant to support our 2026–2027 Confirmation program.
Responsibilities
Assist the lead catechist with twice-monthly Confirmation classes and activities.
Support candidates during prayer, discussions, and sacramental preparation.
Help coordinate and supervise sacramental practicums.
Assist with religious-site visits, fellowship outings, and Archdiocesan events.
Help create a welcoming and supportive environment for candidates as they prepare for Confirmation.
Qualifications
Practicing Catholic committed to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Enjoys working with young people and is dependable and organized.
Religious education, teaching, youth ministry, or mentoring experience is helpful but not required.
Must complete required Safe Environment training and clearances.
Time Commitment & Stipend
Classes will run September 27, 2026 through May 23, 2027 and take place approximately twice a month on Sundays from 11:45-12:45 PM.
Additional outings and activities will take place throughout the formation year.
Stipend: $600 for the 2026–2027 program year.
To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to brandi@saintraymond.net.
Donate Shoes for the Children of Ghana
Can you Help with Children’s Liturgy of the Word?
We are looking for volunteers to help with Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) during the 10 am Sunday Mass. If you are interested in helping, please contact Minta at mintabrown@saintraymond.net. Thank you for supporting our children and helping them grow in their faith!
Help Stock St. Benedict's Food Pantry this August
Our neighbors are counting on us. St. Raymond is collecting donations for St. Benedict's Food Pantry, and we invite you to help by donating the following items:
Canned tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Pasta
Please place donations in the collection bin at the back of St. Raymond Church by Sunday, August 31.
We also need one volunteer (and one backup volunteer) to deliver the donations to St. Benedict Church on Thursday, September 3, between 8:30–11:00 am. To volunteer, email shabay@saintraymond.net.
Thank you for your generosity and continued support of this important ministry.
How to Receive Holy Communion
This past weekend, Fr. Zlock shared an important message about receiving Holy Communion. We ask all parishioners to watch this video clip, reflect on how you receive the Eucharist, and let a staff member know if you see anything out of the ordinary. We are blessed to receive the most precious Body of Christ, and we all have a role in making sure our Lord and Savior is received with reverence and respect.
Monthly Prayer Team This Coming Weekend
Bring your cares and your praise to the Lord this weekend; the Prayer Team is ready to pray with you after all the Masses, August 29 and 30.
Facetime With Jesus September 7
Gluten-Free Hosts
Do you require a gluten-free host due to a gluten intolerance or allergy? If so, please let our pastor or a member of the parish staff know so we can ensure your needs are accommodated at Mass.
Financial Facts
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $9,985.50
Church Maintenance: $213.00
Mission Appeal: $115.00
Social Ministry: $90.00
Total: $10,403.50
Special Collections
8/16 - Mission Appeal (Archdiocese of Philadelphia)
Summertime Giving
Too often, our collections taken during the summer months decline when our parishioners go away on vacation. Make a plan to give electronically or put a little extra in the basket before you leave. Be mindful that air-conditioning the church is costly!
Cell Phone Reminder
Once again, we need to remind everyone to silence their cell phones during Mass. Unexpected electronic sounds lead others to lose their focus during a time that all hold sacred. We ask you, please, to honor this request and double-check your phone when you enter church.
Northwest Catholics Cross-Parish Meeting at St. Raymond September 27
Free Men's Retreat Nov 20-22 at Malvern Retreat House
Join fellow men from St. Raymond for the Knights of the Immaculata Retreat, November 20–22 at Malvern Retreat House, featuring Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers. Known worldwide as the “Dynamic Deacon,” Deacon Harold is an EWTN host, award-winning author, and internationally recognized Catholic speaker known for his powerful, no-nonsense approach to the faith, particularly male spirituality. The weekend includes conferences, Confession, Adoration, prayer, and daily Mass.
Thanks to a grant from the Martin de Porres Foundation, St. Raymond men can attend for FREE. To express interest, contact brandi@saintraymond.net or call 215-549-3760.
AbbeyFest at Czestachowa - Free to St. Raymond!
General admission tickets are $63, but the event is free for St. Raymond members and their guests! To register, please email brandi@saintraymond.net or call 215-549-3760.
Free Registration for Catholic Women's Conference
This event sells out each year, so sign up soon!
The Catholic Women's Conference will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Through the generosity of the Martin de Porres Foundation, the registration fee will be covered. Bus transportation to/from St Raymond will also be available. Anyone interested should contact mintabrown@saintraymond.net.
Events Across the Archdiocese
